Thoughts on Fun, Faith and Family

Sunday, May 31, 2020

I've always been enormously impressed by Einstein. Several years ago I read his extensive biography. His spirituality most impressed me. He said the reason he KNEW he could look for scientific equations about the universe was because he believed we have a Creator who perfectly synchronized all of creation. Einstein taught himself calculus at the age of 14. In 1921, He earned his doctorate from the University of Zurich, and wrote papers on electromagnetic energy, relativity, and statistical mechanics. He won the Nobel Prize in Physics. Einstein was a Jewish immigrant who taught at Princeton and ended up staying in the United States, becoming a citizen in 1940.

Not surprisingly, Einstein has been misquoted numerous times and accused of being an atheist. He responded: "In view of such harmony in the cosmos which I, with my limited human mind, am able to recognize, there are yet people who say there is no God. But what really makes me angry is that they quote me for the support of such views."

Einstein stated in another interview: "I'm absolutely not an atheist . . . The problem involved is too vast for our limited minds. We are in the position of a little child entering a huge library filled with books in many languages. The child knows someone must have written those books. It does not know how. It does not understand the languages in which they are written. The child dimly suspects a mysterious order in the arrangement of the books but doesn't know what it is. That, it seems to me, is the attitude of even the most intelligent human being toward God. We see the universe marvelously arranged and obeying certain laws but only dimly understand these laws."

His other quotes include:

"God Almighty does not throw dice."

"Before God we are all equally wise - equally foolish."

"My religiosity consists of a humble admiration of the infinitely superior spirit that reveals itself in the little that we, with our weak and transitory understanding, can comprehend of reality

"'God' is a mystery. But a comprehensible mystery. I have nothing but awe when I observe the laws of nature.

Einstein also stated: "The fanatical atheists . . . are like slaves who are still feeling the weight of their chains which they have thrown off after hard struggle. They are creatures who - in their grudge against the traditional 'opium of the people' - cannot bear the 'music of the spheres.'"

Hmmm . . . What did he mean about the music of the spheres? The "music of the spheres" is a religious concept used through the Medieval-Renaissance period to describe an "orbital resonance" or reverberation character of the planets.

When asked "To what extent are you influenced by Christianity?" Einstein answered:

"As a child I received instruction both in the Bible and in the Talmud. I am a Jew, but I am enthralled by the luminous figure of the Nazarene." When asked "Have you read Emil Ludwig's book on Jesus," Einstein replied: "Emil Ludwig's Jesus is shallow. Jesus is too colossal for the pen of phrasemongers, however artful. No man can dispose of Christianity with a bon mot! (witty remark)" When asked "Do you accept the historical existence of Jesus?" Einstein answered: "Unquestionably! No one can read the Gospels without feeling the actual presence of Jesus. His personality pulsates in every word. No myth is filled with such life."

I found this very interesting as I thought about the Bible being alive and sharper than any two-edged sword.

Make no mistake there are plenty of scientists who are atheists, but Einstein was not among them. Whether this genius or another believes in Jesus however so interesting, should be irrelevant in our personal search for God. The Bible tells us we don't have to be a genius to discover Him nor win a Nobel Prize. We must simply come as little children amazed by the intelligence required for His creation and awestruck at His capacity for love and compassion.

God wants us to come before Him as children, because children are innocent, and trust with a pure, uncorrupted heart. Faith builds character, which starts when you are a child. Without faith, we cannot please God. "And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him." (Hebrews 11:6) Adults tend to become cynical with age. Let's not!

[I'm indebted to my friend and fellow author Bob Williamson for some of this info on Einstein.]

Matthew 18:3 "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you change and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven."

Writing Update:

100,000 BOOK ORDERS - I'VE REACHED AN EXCITING MILESTONE - thanks to you for every order! And because of amazon I now have readers in India, Japan, Spain, Canada, UK, Australia and Africa. I also appreciate the private local bookstores who have sold my books like Angelus, Cornerstone, Dust Bunny and Breadloaf Books. I'm truly humbled and grateful. May each book be a blessing to you and every reader!

My New project -YouTube Judith Rolfs channel of Fun, Family and Faith video presentations is coming along. It's been quite a learning curve for me technologically. Check it out - still in baby stages but operational. I hope to provide a place for you to get quick inspiration as a mom or grandma. Plus, you can comment back to let me know what you'd like to see. So far I have short videos on Dealing With Worry and Getting Along With Your Spouse when you're together 24 hours a day like during Covid. Also I read aloud some of my Unforgettable Stories For Kids which is my featured book on amazon this month.

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May your June be filled with God's blessings and safe connections with people again!!!

Saturday, May 9, 2020

MOTHER'S DAY REFLECTIONS

[I have a guest author on my blog today, my husband, Wayne Rolfs, who has become an amazing writer and sends out a daily inspirational blog. Let me know if you want to be on his list.]

Let's pretend you get a surprise call. It’s about your mother! Bad news, no it could be great news! Someone has entered her in the local "Mother of the Year Contest." You, her son/daughter, have been asked to help in their contest by providing any facts, people, events, that would aid the committee in their selection of "Mother of the Year.” The winner will receive an all expenses paid week vacation to the destination of their choice: Hawaii, Europe, or any country or state.

Some answers to questions they would like from you, about your mom, include the following:1. How did she show her love for you? 2. What personal character qualities did you admire in her? 3. Can you remember two-three extraordinary times when you felt a special connection with her? 4. Who were her closest friends and why? 5. What could you share of her spiritual beliefs and practices and how did they impact you? 6. What would you say was her most desirable attribute? And finally, 7. What one or two words would best describe your mother?

Perhaps you and I can take a few of these questions and discuss them this Mother’s Day, you may have your own special thoughts for honoring mom, whether she’s living or dead, what are they?

Yes, as we all remember our mothers this Mother's Day, reflections are in order and the questions above might surface dear, sweet memories of why your mom was special to you. I didn’t say perfect, none of us are. For your additional reflections, below is what someone said about their mother. Author Unknown.

“You were my fairy tale princess, So much larger than life.You were my angel and my witness through all my pain and strife.At times you made me angry, great words I would proclaim. How someday you’d be sorry, you were the one to blame. But when I needed comforting you always found time. Your words were more soothing than days of childhood sublime. Now the distance holds us apart, the boundaries have no end.I’ll hold the memories in my heart. You're my mother, my best friend.”Another person once said about their mom: “When you’re a child, she walks before you to set an example. When you’re a teenager, she walks behind you to be there should you need her.When you’re an adult she walks beside you, and together share life’s blessings and trials.” She is there.

What a special gift God has given us, Mothers, for without them we could never have gotten here. Amen. Thank you all mothers!! WTR“Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded.” Deuteronomy 5:16

JUDITH'S WRITING UPDATE

I'm working on an exciting new project - My own You Tube channel offering free video presentations on family topics using material from my counseling training and marriage, family and children's books. The videos will also be available on Preach The Word Cable TV Network. If you'd like a preview click here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXIRtQGmA77eHR9ZWHi50Cw Very soon, hopefully within two months the channel will be ready for its premiere launch. You can subscribe now.

Sunday, April 26, 2020

Those of us alive now will always remember when our world turned inside out and upside down. Normality ended and, even worse, we began to wonder if it would ever return. We are forced to look at everything in new ways. Human proximity is now a danger. Can it be?

The family events that sometimes seem to have been inconvenient we long for. The jobs, the income, the sometimes annoying work settings, the tedious commutes, gone in a flash. We long for what once we carelessly took for granted. The church services we now attend online and often watch more than one even if it’s not our usual denomination.

What of weddings and showers? Think of all the months, sometimes years, of planning – poof – not to be for now and maybe never in the future, at least not as originally planned.

How about the spring travelers? The “I’ll go where and when I want - don’t tell me what to do” - sadly these go-ers and do-ers are powerless.

For funerals we no longer worry about ceremonies. Instead there are very humble endings and simple burials, slipping off into eternity without much fanfare. Perhaps, it is the best way after all, I know it sounds good to me.

Sometimes I step back and observe. Does the way we’re living seem as absurd to you as to me? Like a Twilight Zone episode? And then the biggest unknown of all - what shall we open to? There’s much to consider here. I realize life with these economic setbacks will be hard. Few have escaped unharmed, but then perhaps it’s been more of a focus than it should’ve been in all our pasts.

The inner message we all hear is that we are not as much in control over our own lives as we once thought. Did government alone stop our life? I wonder. It seems to me God allowed this. Why? To get our attention. Have we been neglectful in obeying His commands to love Him with all our hearts and obey His commandments? That’s something for each of us to ponder.

Nevertheless, I enter each day with hope. Why? Because it’s our daily inheritance as a Christian - hope and joy, as well. What God has allowed we will endure with his grace. Grace? It’s not just a word but an empowerment to lift our heads and expect good ahead.

I’m doing some things I’d long intended to do. My newest work is creating YouTube video presentations of some of the talks I’ve given over the years and using some of the helpful material from my marriage and parenting books and even mystery novels. For this I’ve launched my own You-Tube channel of inspiration for family life. Check it out at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXIRtQGmA77eHR9ZWHi50Cw/videos You’d bless me by liking it and subscribing. I’ll have a new video each week.

Something else I’ve been doing, like many of you, is sorting the “treasures” I’ve stored for years in my attic, garage, and under-the-bed boxes. As I do, I’m sweetly savoring the memories they represent. I’ve organized my shopping to once a week, quick in and out with a list, no running to the store for this and that. I happily re-organized my neglected pantry and drawers to hold more supplies. I doubt if any of these activities would’ve occurred had we never had this shelter- in-place opportunity.

Now simply walking down the street with a family member while social distancing is my favorite form of entertainment. Getting carry-out food from a restaurant is a risky privilege and huge treat. We have a new norm not as good as what once was but enjoyable and in some ways even a little better. Again clearly reminding us over and over we’re not in charge. God is.

Some change of mind and heart has helped us all cope. Have you noticed arrogance has largely evaporated? Humility has emerged. As for equality we’re all on the same level rich and poor. NOT one of us can leave home without sufficient reason and thought. Love and kindness have multiplied exponentially. We now have time and focus to see the real needs of others and use our gifts to be of help. These are the news stories that give us joy despite the death counts at the end of each day.

I pray we won’t all simply survive but thrive in multiple ways. Again we see more clearly… God‘s unconditional love for each of us is a forever thing and how rich we are when we realize this! Whatever happens, victory is His and ours always!

“Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed.” John 14:27 AMP

Saturday, April 11, 2020

A Most Unusual Easter

Blessed Easter dear family and friends. This Easter churches are closed, but fortunately the presence of God still pervades our universe on this day and forever.

In the past I've taken attending church services for granted and now I'm truly missing being there. Ever wonder why so many people typically attend and why worshipping God means so much? I believe devout churchgoers experience an invisible but certain refreshment to their souls. It's called grace.

I know this to be true: A breath of Jesus and your breathing changes forever. The Spirit called Holy, the joygiver, patience-maker, wisdom worker, will change you within, in wondrous ways you know you couldn’t do alone.

You experience an awesome life-giving immersion in the love of God and the love of brothers and sisters. And really encounter in one another, with heart eyes, this Jesus all the fuss is over - this God plus Man reaching out and reaching within to transform us into HIs image through community.

That's why church matters. I pray when the doors reopen churches will be flooded with people. In the meantime, quiet contemplation, candles and songs and Zoom with our precious loved ones will have to do.

Thursday, March 26, 2020

Do you feel caught up in the swirl and whirl of the Corona virus events going on around you? At times I do. I’m writing these thoughts today as a reminder for myself as well as you. Lack of structure, huge change and uneasiness over the future are not pleasant and they’re running rampant. If you’re a thinker like me you like to know what’s going on and have an advance plan.

At times like this tension can become a vibrating sensation IF YOU AND I LET IT. Then it’s time to put into action what I call God’s CCC Plan which is always effective, but we have to remember to use it! CCC stands for staying CALM, CHEERFUL, AND CONSISTENT.

When we choose to be calm, cheerful, and consistent we’re visibly displaying our Christian beliefs. We know God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind. (2Timothy 1:7) The circumstances of the world around us don’t change, but we stay focused on trusting God with every detail of our lives. We don’t fear the future which makes all the difference! We keep operating in a straight line instead of a circular fashion ending up flustered and emotionally unsettled.

The CCC Plan is important to model for our adult children and grandchildren. When we stay calm, cheerful, and act consistently with our beliefs, the atmosphere within our families becomes peaceful.

Is this all just psychobabble? No, the principle is as old as the Bible. Jesus taught the CCC Plan, and He always modeled it. Take the storm on the Sea of Galilee when the frantic apostles awakened Jesus. He could have jumped up and said, “Oh no, what are you going to do now?” Instead Jesus stayed cheerful and calm. He knew He could and would stop the storm, and we need to remember that He can stop our storms too. What a model of calmness, cheerfulness, and consistency we have in Jesus in John 1:14-22! Even in His anger when He cleansed the temple, Jesus showed control and turned the act into a lesson for His disciples. There are many incidents in the Gospels where Jesus shows CCC.

Here are some tips for staying calm, cheerful, and consistent during this troubled time:

1.When you feel flustered, often your natural inclination is to rush ahead in your thoughts and movements. Instead, start to move and speak in slow motion. You regain mastery by being CCC.

2.You can calm or cheer yourself in seconds when you pray. Focusing on Jesus and His love for you can relax you. What you’re doing at the moment takes on a different perspective.

3.Think about something pleasant, relaxing, or rewarding that you’ve done or are going to do — a cup of tea, a note to send a friend, cozy time to read a book. For that book please check out my amazon author page for a devotional, or a mystery or a self-help book. Whatever your mood, I have a title for you. Books are available from Angelus Gift Shop which has curb-side pick-up and mail order service or through Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Judith-Rolfs/e/B001KI0KLU?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_17&qid=1585279171&sr=1-17

5.Since cooperating with the inevitable is our only choice, let’s do it with CCC like an heir of God. CCC comes from knowing He has ultimate control.

I hope you find these thoughts helpful. At present, I’m enjoying my “shelter-at-home” time in our house in the Wisconsin woods while looking forward to a glorious spring and summer! Below is a picture of Wayne's recent birthday celebration with some of our precious family.

Thursday, February 13, 2020

I’m thinking of all the ways we can celebrate love on this special day.

Like with forgiveness, a beautiful form of love.

In fact what if Valentine’s Day could be renamed “I Will Grace You With Forgiveness Day”

Valentine’s can be the time to forgive all past transgressions done against us by a parent, child, spouse, family member, or friend. Remember the song lines: “You always hurt the one you love, the one you shouldn’t hurt at all.”

It’s easy to cling to hurts, bad memories and tuck them deeply in our hearts.

How much better are new starts, over and over, as often as necessary.

Forgiveness is what love does. It forgives and gives new starts.

Because that’s what Jesus does. Forgives and gives new starts.

“I Will Grace You With Forgiveness Day” says I will love you well even while you are becoming your best self, NOT I will abandon you until you become your best self.

The truth is we’re all in an ongoing process of becoming and will be until our last breath on earth is taken.

We’re going to be prodded, poked by life events and by people in our inner world.

You and I are being honed into holiness because we’re Christ lovers and Christ followers and that’s what He does for us.

How nice to know we’re always Christ’s Valentine, His beloved. Being accepted and loved empowers our vulnerable, tender hearts to have the strength to change and be better lovers of others. This empowers us to be love-givers and grace-givers –and forgiveness-givers and receivers.

May this Valentine’s Day be Re-commitment Day.

May we deeply celebrate love

Abandon hurts

Search for blessings

Focus on the good

Even in our offenders.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

1 John4:7-11

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God send his only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him…beloved if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”

Writing/Speaking Update

I’m happy to announce that, as some of you have requested, Love Always, Mom, How, When and Why God Heals Today is again available in print form thru amazon.

I have no speaking or book signing events planned for 2020. This will be a sabbatical year to focus on writing book 4 in the Tommy Smurlee series and several other projects. I also hope to assemble Wayne’s excellent Thoughts on Life into a second book. And finally I want to pursue my passionate efforts to end abortion. For this your prayers are deeply appreciated. J

Thursday, November 28, 2019

So much to be thankful for!

We see the beautiful spirit of compassion all around us. Monetary gifts pour forth for families in need. The bounty of thanksgiving baskets for the poor among us is always inspirational. On Friday our grandchildren and Wayne and I will pack hundreds of packets of food for children in areas of the world where food is not plentiful. What a privilege to meet the needs of others.

We’ve survived several medical crises these past years and are extremely grateful for the gift of health we experience this day and pray fervently for those who are ill.

We’re thankful to have experienced being an American all our lives. America is a very young country and one that we treasure. The freedoms we have are precious. Expressing opinion and sharing ideas without fear of being snatched from home and family– it’s incomprehensible for me to imagine otherwise. Yet, in other places on earth this is a very real concern.

We’re thankful God has gifted each of us with special abilities that make us capable of earning our living. What a great sense of independence and sufficiency this gives us personally as well as a mission to care for others less able.

The God of the eternal is also the God of our present and with joy we offer Him thanks and praise. We join with you in worship and gratitude. God knows what the future holds, and only Him. Thankfully, we have learned we can totally trust Him.

Thank You God for the gift of life, of family and love. May love and kindness prevail not just at this holiday season, but every day throughout our culture and across the world.

Saturday, November 23, 2019

Interacting with others through love is the key. Jesus was not a man for others, He was one with them and there is a huge difference in that. The unfathomable work of God is accomplished if we are loving and obedient in the smallest aspects of the doings He allows us to participate in.

I have counseled divorced, broken men and women and seen divorced men and women who became whole. I have worked with alcohol and drug addicts, individuals experimenting with homosexual behavior, suicidal clients, every form of emotional pain and relational dysfunction. In fact, I don’t think there’s anything I have not experienced in my years of counseling. One conclusion I have come to is that everyone, every day, is looking for a fix and that fix is love.

Each of us wants to know that God made us lovable just as we are and that we are good, yes good enough. My message is to seek His truth and reason and never abandon hope.

As a counselor I’m privileged to be a hope-giver. This requires connection without judgment. I do not judge others no matter what they tell me, and the wonder of this is that then the walls between us crumble and we can have honest conversations and work through them. We actually enrich one another which is the ultimate goal of all words that are shared.

I’m willing to express my deeply felt words that I know to be true with others (yes even my grandchildren and nephew in this picture), even if it means making myself vulnerable. I’m hopeful, but I’m not looking for results only giving honest words spoken with a tender heart. This is how I have counseled men and women and children, sharing what I’ve found in God’s Word about living that works.

Family is also important - I initially called my work Fantastic Family Ministry. Family makes you strong in the sense that you know you have a foothold somewhere. You belong someplace and the people in that place care not just whether you live or die but care about the details of your life. This is why it’s so sad for children and adults who never experienced the sense of family. Family can give you confidence and hope. Another thing that makes you very strong is hope.

Don't you like this quote by Emily Dickinson, “Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul, that sings the song without the words and never steps at all.” Say that out loud a couple of times. These very special words sound like music when spoken aloud and the words themselves uplift my soul.

The words of Psalm 23 scream out for our full attention. “Truly the Lord is my shepherd. There is nothing I shall want.” Is this really true - can He be enough? Having lived a lifetime with Him, I know it’s rock solid truth. Jesus is enough for my soul and every soul He has created. Should all material things cease, our souls shall live on forever. Because He is my shepherd I truly feel my worth and it is forever well with my soul. May it be well with your soul today and every day.

Belden Lane the theologian said, “Divine Love is incessantly restless until it turns all woundedness into health, all deformity into beauty and all embarrassment into laughter!”

It's not too late to make reservations for Milwaukee SuburbanChristian Women's Connection Events at Davian's in Menominee Falls and two other locations in Sheboygan. Dec. 16th and Dec. 17th. Call Lois 262-251-3841 The title of my talk is Stages From the Heart To the Page.

Monday, November 4, 2019

Omigosh, another birthday this past week! The years roll by so quickly. On my birthday I like to do something special to honor my mother. After all, my birthday would not have been possible without her!

To honor Mom while she was still alive I once sent her a bouquet of a dozen roses. She was surprised and shocked. Why had I done this? In my card I expressed my gratitude to her for giving me the gift of life. Not all moms-to-be are willing to make this sacrifice.

Not all my memories of my mom were happy, she was an alcoholic for many of my growing up and early adulthood years, but I can always dig deep for some good moments. I believe that the Fourth Commandment doesn’t say only honor your father and mother if they were always good to you and sterling role models. Honor is always deserved for the giving and nurturing of our lives.

Of course I don’t discount the part dads have in the creation of a baby, but not like moms who go through bodily distortion and discomfort. Also, they usually bear the brunt of midnight feedings and non-stop care for infants and toddlers.

This year when the family came to celebrate with me after our meal and singing Happy Birthday I suggested we play Bingo in honor of Grandma, one of my mom’s favorite games. I had purchased a nice black metal set at Good Will and grandson Joshua, then my son Dan read off the numbers. Prizes were candy bars. We had lots of laughter and fun playing for about an hour.

Who else should I honor on my birthday? My Creator, of course. How extraordinary that I and none other should be designed to be me! How to express my gratitude?

To thank God I wrote this note to Him on my birthday. Heavenly Father, how awesome that I am your daughter. I’m in awe of this gift of a lifetime You extend goodness and love to me. Thank you for the family you chose for me. I’m grateful You’ve always been available to me through the challenges of my growing years. I’m forever grateful for Your wisdom and grace. May I please you immensely with the way I move through my days honoring You in every choice I make. I can say Happy Birthday to me today, only because of You.

How about you? What thoughts do birthdays stir in you?

Speaking/Writing Events

Book Signing at Angelus Gift Shop in Walworth the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It’s a great time to purchase your autographed Christmas gift books. Nov. 30th 1-2 p.m.

Your prayers are appreciated for Christian Women’s Connection three events at Menominee Falls and Sheboygan Dec.16-18th.

My Featured Books This Month: Man in Command (How To Be A Great Husband and Dad)http://amzn.to/1zMzrSK and Loving Every Minute (How to Live, Laugh and Love as a Wife and Mom). http://amzn.to/1mhOCgB http://amzn.to/1mhOCgB

These are must-own books packed with great ideas for doing life in a grand way, emotionally, physically and spiritually for men and women.

Happy Everyday!

May every child and adult know the supernatural reality of God,

the ever present source of love and power in their lives.

Psalm 139: 13-16

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

Saturday, October 12, 2019

Isn’t it amazing how memories live on! They are precious and create a mental and an emotional reality within us. This has comforted me through two funerals of good friends this past month.

Even more than memories, the essence of a truly beloved person remains with us after death. They’re etched in our pores. Their way of viewing the world, the style of their movement and way of responding to the circumstances of life - this ongoing essence is our gift.

A mystery of thought and feeling intertwines as we remember, sometimes even dream of, the person who’s gone on ahead. Death is merely like night without morning to us who remain earth walkers, but it’s eternal sunrise to the deceased.

Much as we don’t need to overly dwell on this, it’s helpful to occasionally acknowledge that we are all terminal. Full awareness of the brevity of life makes us live braver and richer with appreciation for every day. Don’t you agree?

Psalm 90:12 New Living Translation (NLT) “Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.”

The Presence of God This Fall

We all can experience the presence of God often. He shows Himself to us in family moments of extreme joy or anguish. When we see His face reflected in the kindness of others, we are witnessing Him in human compassion. I find Him easily in the beauty of His creation, like during our fall trip to Door County recently, an annual delight.

As leaves scatter about and seasons change, may you experience God afresh in your life.

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WRITING/SPEAKING UPDATE

For you Kindle readers, all through the month of October my suspense novel Directive 99 is on sale (.99 eBook regularly $7.99). Don’t miss out if you haven’t read this timely, almost prophetic story about Jennifer Trevor, an ambitious career woman, who holds enormous power. She’s about to promote a secret directive that will cause the death of millions.

October 21st I’m attending a gathering for a book club reading my mystery novel, The Windemere Affair. It’s always a joy to meet readers personally!

September thru November I’m privileged to facilitate a Christian Writing Ministry Workshop for about twenty men and women who want to be authors. Hoping to leave a legacy of Christian writers behind me.

I appreciate your prayers for four speaking events in November and December for Christian Women’s Connection Events in Milwaukee and Sheboygan. Teams of dedicated women are already hard at work planning these gatherings.

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In the picture above with me: our adult daughter Pam and two grandchildren following their amazing band concert this past week.

Sunday, April 14, 2019

Thinking about gardening –which is all I can do at present. After two days in the 60’s this week, it snowed today in WI and our winds have had gale force. All while I’m eager to start tending earth, removing dead growth from last year, and replanting. Slowly my thoughts turn to human relationships - these also need tending, fertilizing and nurturing regularly.

How about yours - any relationships that need extra attention to freshen them up? Marriages often qualify in this area. Maybe a day away from your routine? There’s something about a new setting that enables us to see and appreciate one another in a new way. Or maybe it’s time to reconnect with an adult child during a getaway for only the two of you or taking an elderly parent out for a memory-making excursion.

Re -late, the base word of relationships, means again and again connecting to keep your union strong. May you enjoy every positive aspect about this person and ignore the negatives which are part of the reality of humanness. Not one of us is perfect, I have only to look to myself to realize this! Yet God deems us all valuable.

Habakkuk 2:2 "Write the vision and make it plain that those who run may read it..." It's my goal to inspire men and women to live fantastic lives for themselves and their families.

Judith Rolfs

BOOK UPDATE:My suspense novel Bullet in the Night, set in Lake Geneva, is read by a talented woman who brings the characters and emotion to life in a wondrous way. Even if you read the paperback you're going to love the audiobook.

Men, as well as women, have contacted me to say they enjoy rereading Directive 99, because it's so timely for today. I'm grateful to those who have taken their precious time to send a review to amazon.http://amzn.to/P4dKbh

I so appreciate your prayers for these events. Without the Holy Spirit’s anointing nothing of value happens. With it hearts and minds open and God can minister deeply.

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I’ve had fun re-reading my journals from 20 years ago. My fervor for God – loving Him and serving Him was just as intense then as it is today. And my desire to exalt him. If you don’t keep a journal I urge you to give it a try – even if you write a sentence or two ion your calendar. You’ll get a wider perspective on your daily living when you reread it months, years later.

Saturday, March 23, 2019

Enjoying a few more weeks of vacation and writing time with my honey in Venice Florida before our exodus back to the Midwest. Can’t wait to get my garden-gloved hands into our black dirt to plant impatiens and watch our sturdy perennials miraculously break through the hardened, crusty ground. The very thought delights me.

I think back to the first time I marveled at the new life process that happens every spring. My soul was hard and crusty too. I rarely went to church and, when I did, I endured rather than enjoyed as I do now.

After fourteen years in Catholic schools, my “faith” was a routine, meaningless ritual. Nothing personal or vibrant about it. If asked, I’d label myself an agnostic.

Then, I attended a Christian retreat, a Cursillo, to have a getaway weekend with girlfriends who were my neighbors. Nothing huge spiritually happened to me there, but looking back I see it as a catalyst. When I came home I was curious about God and began reading Christian books and studied the Bible for the first time, especially the passages about the presence of the Holy Spirit in the world today.

I wish I had words to explain my transformation better! Study enabled me to know God, to experience Jesus and to interact with prayer, soul talk with God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. For the first time, I knew for sure God was real and PERSONSAL, not a distant deity.

Life with Him became exciting and more. As an insecure child of alcoholic parents – I finally could live without fears and worry. The peace of God that passes understanding was mine (Philippians 4:7), and the joy – the joy of the Lord is my strength (Nehemiah 8:10) - lasts through whatever happens in my life. I am never alone. He is a real and present help in every circumstance.

Ever since, for fifty years now, I view spring as a beautiful symbol and a reminder. Living with personal connection to God is a beautiful gift to be celebrated all year long and just like spring, it’s there for each one of us.

MY WRITING UPDATE:

Soon after my return, I have eight speaking/book signing events in northern Wisconsin and Springfield, Illinois areas. I keep talking about retiring. Every time I think that I will stop working I get a delightful letter from a reader telling me how his or her life has been impacted by a message in one of my books. Plus, some of this writing work is just so much fun. I will be on a radio show April 15th Friday hosted by Andrea Boeshaar.

You see writing a novel is no longer enough – an author must be very active in getting the word out that the mystery novel is available. And seek reviews. Future readers rely on them before selecting books to purchase.

If any of you dear readers would be kind enough to leave an honest review for any of my books you have already read, I would be extremely grateful. You’d be so kind to take ten minutes of your valuable time to do this on amazon by going to my book page and scrolling down to review. Thank you!!!

Things have changed so dramatically since my first print book was published in 1985 when my Tyndale publisher had a full-time publicist and team of marketing professionals and sales staff to get my books into national bookstores. The publicist set up my TV and radio appearances. Now we writers must do it all. I even make my own YouTube’s and video trailers. Fortunately, I do love to learn and I’ve met some delightful fellow authors traversing this new path of social media with me.

I have another fun mystery in the works for adults and one for children I only need the discipline and diligence necessary to complete them God willing.

My Star Bright Award goes to Joann McLuen in Ocala, Florida for starting her new book club– they’ll read one of my four mystery novels each month and use the Discussion Questions available for each novel. (Email me if you need a copy of the questions for any novel.)

Directive 99 continues to be my best-selling suspense novel, probably because the message is so timely for today. If you haven’t read it, you can download it on Kindle Unlimited if you’re a member and read it for free. Or order the print version of Directive 99 through amazon. Click here.

This lovely verse, Proverbs 3, 3-4 seems appropriate for today: “Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, and so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man.” Truth and mercy each of us can write!